Additive’s Idiosyncrasies
By:
Peter
Zelinski
1/23/2015
Additive manufacturing is not as easy as just hitting “print.” Like any manufacturing process, it demands attention to considerations that are characteristic of this process alone.

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Is it possible to 3D print with carbon fiber fabric? It is, except that “printing” is not the right word. This additive process builds parts by stacking the carbon fiber sheets. The result is composite parts that don’t need tooling—but are strong enough that they could be used as tooling.

Faustson Tool uses its pioneering spirit to carefully take on metals additive manufacturing one step at a time, and today the company is committed to educating and supporting industry and its academic partners with this technology.

In addition to the geometric freedom, additive manufacturing also provides the freedom to use metals that would be difficult to apply another way. Deka Research & Development is exploring both freedoms as it seeks to create a power source that could improve the lives of people around the world.

Does it have to be expensive to produce a one-off part? Does the one-off have to fall short of the manufactured part’s properties? A Boston-area
3D printer maker has an idea for how to produce components that are both low quantity and industrial quality.